Product category:
Control systems, DROs, etc, for machine tools
News Release from: ACI (UK) | Subject: Multi-axis digital 6000M CNC for VMCs
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 25 February 2002
Versatile CNC display highlights
multi-axis system
As well as spotlighting a number of performance enhancements across a range of milling and turning controls, this control display will highlight VMC multi-axis applications.
As well as spotlighting a number of performance enhancements across its range of milling and turning controls, and the introduction of TFT screen technology, the CNC system display being mounted by measurement and control specialist, Anilam, will also highlight the multi-axis digital 6000M CNC for vertical machining centre applications The 6000M CNC breaks new ground in control technology by combining Anilam's conversational Machinist Language programming routines with G Code programming to create a CNC that has an unrivalled level of functionality and user-friendliness within a single system
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Sep 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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With the two-/three-axis milling series 3000M and the three-/four-/five-axis analogue 5000M series CNC on show alongside the two-/three-axis 4200T turning system, the stand will demonstrate how all Anilam controls now feature a minimum RAM of 8Mbyte (up to 64 Mbyte) and networking capability that now features auto-sensing at 100Mbit per second for data transmission.
The result has been improvements of up to 50 per cent in program verification, for example, thanks to the new processor, and performance improvements of 15 per cent in the processing of 8,000-block programs featuring 0.003 inch step-over increments.
Designed for vertical machining centre applications, the new three- to four-axis digital 6000 Series is supplied as a complete OEM package with a range of nine axis motors rated from 3Nm to 20.5Nm and ten spindle motors covering the power range 4.5kW to 22kW.
Further reading
Tool/workpiece probing cycles added to controls
ACI is including tool and workpiece probing cycles as standard features on its Anilam 6000 Series multi-axis CNC system.
Milling in two/three axis cost-effectively
Demonstrations of a two-/three-axis CNC for intuitive knee-type milling operations will highlight the system's cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Measuring distance and position accurately
As well as demonstrating four-axis DROs, a range of linear scales will also serve to reinforce both the accuracy and performance benefits of its glass linear encoder technology.
These suit the high traverse speeds of up to 30m/min and the up to 7,500 revs/min spindle speeds common on such machines.
The 6000 Series CNC boasts a powerful 586 DX4 133 PC processor and 16 Mbyte of RAM, plus a 12 inch TFT screen.
The control has enhanced mould and die capability (scaling, mirror image, modal corner rounding/chamfering, for example) as well as a host of canned cycles including mould rotation and draft angle.
It also features a CAM programming mode for interactive programming using icons (moves shown as they are being programmed), menu-driven tooling, tool compensation and interference checking, and built-in post-processor.
Simulation graphic functions embrace rapid, feed and compensated moves (colour differentiated) isometric views, auto part fit, window zoom and static tool display, for instance.
The canned cycles also include: Irregular pockets - a simple routine of prompts produces clearances of irregular shapes; Geometry - the geometry calculator, for determining points, lines and circles, automatically forms the program foundation; and Bolt hole pattern and drill cycles are created by simple question and answer routines.
The control also features Anilam's Integral Programmable Intelligence, so there is no need for a separate PLC unit and, compared to older CNC systems accompanied by a separate bank of drives, these are now housed in one compact module.
Prior to launch, Anilam put the new control through its paces on an automotive test piece requiring a series of blended straight lines, slopes, curves and angles.
Using a 10mm ball nose cutter at a spindle speed of 8,500 revs/min and feed rates of 10m/min, the part was completed in 14.5 mins - compared to 24 mins using an earlier generation CNC - while meeting the user's surface finish tolerance requirements of +/-10 microns.
All straight line machining was performed at 7m/min, while the control utilised its 30-block look-ahead capability to slow the feed down to 4 m/min to achieve the required tight curves and sharp angles.
An intermediate speed of 6m/min was used to process the remaining round edges and curves.
The result was a test piece machined at high speed to the user's satisfaction.
MACH 2002 - NEC, Birmingham - April 29 - May 3.
Hall: 5.
Stand: 5737.
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